Page 54 of Tell It To The Waves

The wait for the ferry doesn’t take long and soon we're on our way to the city. Baylee looks at me when I do my normal routine as soon as I get on the ferry.

I smile sadly at her. I know she will not ask me what I was doing, so I tell her.

“Since my mom died, I’ve feared the ferry and have to park with my windows down and seatbelt off. Scared if I plummet into the ocean, like here, at least I’ll be able to get out.” I take a sip of my coffee.

“Oh, August. Did you feel that way before you left, too?” I know she’s thinking back to the times I’d go with her across the ferry.

Nodding, “I did. But, Bay, it’s my own trauma. I wasn’t going to make it everyone else's, too. Also, it's why I hate confined places now. Like the elevator.” I widen my eyes, shivering at the thought of it.

“I’m sorry, August. I hate that.” Her eyes reflect that she really does.

“Maybe one day I’ll be okay. Hey, at least I still ride the ferry. How horrible would that be if I couldn’t?” I try to make a joke, but it falls short. Bay isn't thinking it’s funny.

Since I’m revealing my little secrets, I keep going. “I also haven’t been in the ocean since the night on the beach.”

Red hair flies as her head turns toward me. “Are you serious?” Her face shocked.

Furrowing my eyebrows, “Yep.”

Setting her coffee down, “You now live on the beach. Aug, that is something you need to overcome. You live at the beach!”

I laugh because it is kind of funny. Bay squints her eyes at me. Holding up my hands, “Sorry. Okay, maybe I can start trying a little at a time?”

“You loved the beach so much. In that water, you always felt free. I hate that for you, August.” Her eyes tear up.

“Don’t you dare cry.”

Wiping them hastily, she says, “It’s the damn pregnancy hormones.”

We both laugh, easing the seriousness of our conversation.

This was the first ferry ride since losing my mom that I could actually relax, and it was all thanks to Baylee.

We waste no time in the city, heading straight to the bank.

I have to go into a private room to speak to them. It’s like being interrogated for withdrawing my own money, which didn’t sit well with me.

Finally, with the cashier's check in hand, made out to Bohdi, I feel like I can’t swallow. That my throat is closing. Fright. Fright is taking over me.

I scare Bay as I jump back in the car. “Sorry,” I tell her.

I can see Bay out of the corner of my eye, watching me. “What’s wrong?” she asks.

“What if I’m making a big mistake?” I let my fear seep out.

“And if it is, oh well. At least you tried.” I look at her as she shrugs.

I hold up the cashier's check. “This is an expensive mistake.”

“We only live once. Might as well do it well.” We both laugh because this is so much money. I feel absolutely insane at this moment.

“Shit, okay.” I reverse, driving us back to the ferry. My mind is spinning.

“Get out of your damn head, August. You’re doing this.” Bay slaps my arm.

The sting shakes me out of my thought. “Owe, that hurt,” I tell her while rubbing my arm.

“Hand on the wheel. There is precious cargo in here.” Bay rubs her belly.